Punjab and California experts collaborate on water conservation strategies

In a major effort to tackle subsoil water depletion, a team from California State University, Fresno, collaborated with Punjab’s agricultural experts to explore sustainable solutions.

Led by Dr. Sharon Elizabeth Benes and Dr. Gurreet Singh Brar, along with six undergraduate and master's students, the delegation engaged in strategic discussions with the Punjab State Farmers’ and Farm Workers’ Commission (PSFC), emphasizing the urgent need for joint action.

With both Punjab and California facing severe water scarcity that threatens agriculture and livestock economies, the meeting provided a crucial platform for knowledge exchange.

Dr. Sukhpal Singh, Chairman of PSFC, outlined Punjab’s Agriculture Policy and discussed water recharge strategies with the visiting team. Former Director of Agriculture, Rajesh Vashisht, presented data on declining groundwater levels and proposed science-backed recharge methods.

Dr. Brar, a leading scientist, delivered a compelling presentation on the future of farming in the face of water shortages, highlighting similarities between the two regions.

Dr. Benes shared insights from California’s experience, underscoring the global nature of the crisis and the need for collaborative solutions.

Dr. Gurkanwal Singh, former Director of Horticulture and a key policy architect, called on the global scientific community to work together for more resilient and sustainable agriculture. Experts Dr. Ranjodh Singh Bains and Manavpreet Singh further enriched the discussion by exploring actionable policy measures from Punjab’s draft agricultural framework.